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Machinery investment benchmarks from 2007–2024 show that large crop farms hold a sizable cost advantage. Operations over 2,000 acres consistently invest less per acre—both in machinery ownership and net annual equipment spending—highlighting meaningful economies of scale. Understanding where your farm fits can help guide machinery planning and long-term cost management.
Read MoreMichael Langemeier presented in Vincennes, Indiana on December 11, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read MoreBenchmark machinery costs for corn and soybean farms and see how expenses differ by farm size and net return category. The article also reviews long-term machinery cost trends from 2007–2024 to help producers assess scale efficiencies and compare their own costs to industry benchmarks.
Read MoreNovember brought the highest farmer sentiment reading since June, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer jumping 10 points from October to 139. The increase was driven primarily by producers’ more optimistic outlook for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the November Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.
Read MoreCorn and soybean basis have strengthened post-harvest in the Eastern Corn Belt, particularly in Indiana and Ohio, while Iowa lags behind. As winter sets in, historical patterns suggest basis levels will stabilize — but regional deviations highlight the importance of local tracking.
Read MoreFifth-generation Indiana pig farmer Brian Martin joins Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss how consolidation, labor shortages, state policy, and evolving production systems are reshaping the U.S. hog industry. He also highlights the value of internships, partnerships, and business strategy in modern pork production.
Read MoreDespite the headline deal between the U.S. and China on soybeans, the numbers show a different story. The 12 million-ton commitment for 2025 remains below recent norms, while Brazil and Argentina surged ahead in China’s market. For producers focused on scale, margins, and global competition, the implications are clear: tariff concerns remain, diversification matters, and South America is an emerging force.
Read MoreMichael Langemeier presented in White County (Reynolds), Indiana on November 12, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read MoreDistiller’s dried grains (DDGs) are a co-product of ethanol production and a high-protein substitute for corn and soybean meal in livestock feed. DDG prices generally move with corn and soybean meal, but the relationship is not always predictable. Market disruptions and shifting feed demand can create wide price swings. Projections for early 2026 suggest a $145–$155 per ton range, yet small changes in underlying grain or meal prices could alter the outlook—making careful monitoring essential for livestock operations.
Read MoreU.S. farmer sentiment edged slightly higher in October, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rising 3 points to a reading of 129. Farmers’ appraisals of current conditions highlight a “tale of two economies”: Livestock producers remain highly optimistic about their farm conditions, partly supported by record-high profitability in the beef sector, while crop producers report a more pessimistic view of the current situation on their farms due to low profit margins across major crop enterprises. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the September Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.
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